3 new PlayStation Plus games to check out this weekend (June 21-23)

It’s the middle of the month, so that means Sony just dropped a batch of new titles into the game catalog for PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra. While these additions aren’t as high profile as some earlier months of the year, this group of new PS Plus games still has some winners that stand out as the cream of the crop. There are three games in particular that are worth hopping into this weekend.

First is a game from Capcom that will allow you to better understand the jump from Monster Hunter: World to Monster Hunter Wilds. Then, we have a classic Ubisoft open-world game that can get you primed for the release of Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Shadows later in 2024. Finally, there’s a PlayStation VR2 game about kayaking that offers a relaxing virtual experience for those looking for an excuse to put on the VR headset.

Monster Hunter Rise

Were you impressed by Monster Hunter Wilds‘ showing at Summer Game Fest this year? Then you should check out the Monster Hunter game that just came to PlayStation Plus’ game catalog. Originally released for Nintendo Switch in 2021, Monster Hunter Rise feels like the last of the old-school style of Monster Hunter games. It still has that enthralling core loop of picking the right loadout before going on rigorous hunts against powerful monsters, but does so in smaller, more carefully crafted environments and not a vast open-world region like the ones Monster Hunter Wilds will have.

Although Monster Hunter Wilds has the look and feel of a follow-up to 2018’s Monster Hunter: World, Rise introduced a lot of elements that make players much more mobile. That includes rideable dog-like Palamutes and a Wirebug grappling hook ability. Those are elements that Wilds will expand upon, so if you want to better understand the evolution of this Capcom series, Rise is a necessary game to play. It offers up an entertaining story and plenty of intimidating monsters to slay as well, which also makes it a good entry point for this fairly